Overview of the theories of child development

Authors
Affiliations

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Overview

Here are historical and current theories of child development. Dynamic systems theory is common in pediatirc physical therapy. Neuronal group selection theory is the most common in physical therapy in general. It should be noted that none of these theories are correct.

Neuromaturational Theory

  • Development follows a set, invariant sequence.
  • Development is tightly tied to CNS development.
  • Motor development is cephalocaudal and proximal to distal.
  • Recent modifications acknowledge variations in the sequence and input from all systems.

McGraw & Gesell were the main proponents of the original theory, which consisted of a step type sequence of development and intervention, Not totally linear, but more or less linear

Newer version: Can you adapt /change pattern?

  • CNS maturation drives development
  • Normal sequence / hierarchy of skill development
  • Classic developmental scales based on this work
  • Importance of developmental reflexes and stepwise sequence of development in intervention

Clinical significance: Alternating progression and Regression

  • As you start to master one skill, and you introduce the other skill, you may see a regression is previous skill or new skill wont look perfect.
  • Development happens in a proximal to distal sequence, motor skills develop gross to fine
  • Development is dynamic and characterized by alternating advancement and regression
Crawling Example

Child beings to crawl using a symmetrical arm pattern. As they develop, the progress to an alternating UE pattern.

Regression to earlier patterns as more mature version occurs

Cognitive Theory

In the cognitive theory, thinking develops in stages of increasing complexity. Children organize mental schemes through the use of mental operations.

Piaget formulated the Cognitive development theory, which proposese that the child’s active involvement in environment (not just neuromaturation) critical to infant development.

4 stages of Cognitive Development
Stage Age Action
Sensorimotor 0-2 Reflex activity leads to purposeful movement
Pre-operational 2-7 Unidimensional awareness of environment
Concrete operational 7-11 Less egocentric, solve concrete probs
Formal operational 11+ Solve abstract probs, deductive reasoning
  • Scaffolding: parents/therapists provide environmental challenge that encourages a child to perform higher level skill
  • Some EC programs based on this
    • Montessori: uses cognitive and developmental theories
      • Child given freedom to interact and engage in environment and self select activities from specialized materials
    • Reggio emilia: investigatory and exploratory environment helps with problem solving skills

Behavioral Theory

  • Main proponent: Pavlov
  • Stimulus/response approach
  • Modify behavior thru manipulating stimuli
  • Modifying parameters such as intensity/freq/etc
    • ABA- application of behavioral theory
    • Get a reward for a desired action
  • Assumes most behaviors are learned responses
  • Positive and negative reinforcements

Dynamic Systems Theory

  • Commonly used theory in pediatric PT
  • Main proponents: Shumway-Cooke, Thelen, Herriza, woolacott
  • Emphasis on process rather than product
  • Results of many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, cooperation of systems
  • Development is nonlinear
  • Mvmt occurs based on child’s internal factors/ motivators, external environmental dn motor task to be completed
  • How u do it more important than outcomes
  • process> product

Neuronal Group Selection Theory

  • CNS influence on development
  • Brain organized into population of cells (units) containing individually variable networks (neuronal groups)
  • structure / function of these groups influenced by evolution, environment, behavior
  • Like DST , development is non linear BUT GENETICS is as important as experience to shape development
  • Interplay between neuroanatomy adn experience form maps that connect neuronal groups

Dynamic systems = most common in PT

Developmental Direction

  • Reflexive to cortical: we start off w reflexive mvmts and we generally are able to override as we age
  • Prox to distal
  • Extensor control to flexor control
  • Generalized to localized (gross motor to fine)
  • Medial to lateral
  • Open to closed chain (mobility to stability)
  • Asymmetric to symmetric development (super important in children, if u see asymmetrical things happening, it should be a yellow flag!!)

References

1.
Effgen SK, Fiss AL, eds. Meeting the Physical Therapy Needs of Children. 3rd ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2021.

Citation

For attribution, please cite this work as:
Yomogida N, Kerstein C. Overview of the theories of child development. https://yomokerst.com/The Archive/Pediatrics/Development/overview_theories_of_child_development.html